obnoxious europeans?

Okay, another preachy rant.

I’ll be the first to bitch and moan about annoying locals while traveling. Sure, while travelling one is sure to run into scam artists and sleazebags, but the overarching generalizations I hear while travelling continue to amaze, dumbfound, and annoy me. I tell people I was in Germany, and they respond with whatever generalization they’ve decided applies to all its people. Some seem to assume I’ve had an awful time based on where I was. My experiences have been nothing short of amazing, though. In France, the supposed French snobs were nothing short of friendly. In Switzerland, the supposed stiff-necked Swiss at times almost smothered me with help and literally took me into their homes. In Germany, the supposed loud-mouthed fascists afforded me an absolutely amazing week of adventure and good times.

These generalizations should stay in the press and in off-color jokes. They shouldn’t make or break a vacation, and I just want to go on record to preach say that I certainly won’t let them dictate my travels.

when green isn't green

Warning: preaching ahead

So, we already know that ethanol (at least how we're making it today) is a bad bet for the environment. Those of you who know me should know my thoughts on the environment--specifically how we're destroying it, and how we should be repairing it. When we explore alternative biofuels such as ethanol, we must pay attention not only to its emmisions and upside to fossil fuels, but also to how the fuel is being grown. So, it is sadly no surprise that Scientists are taking 2nd look at biofuels. Read on, and educate yourselves.

I recently came across another interesting article involving current trends in the clothing industry, fashion maven that I am. Instead of buying clothes that last a lifetime, we're shopping for price and trend. It's becoming 'Fast clothes' versus 'green clothes'. Please, if you're going to buy disposable clothing, don't throw it away when you're through with it; find a home or a clever use for it.